Day 376:
'We Bust Ours, So We Can Kick Yours.'
I read this on the back of a former student's hoody the other day. My question to him was, "What do you bust?"
He hesitated a moment, looking around as if someone may pop in the room and spare him the inevitable,..... nope, no one arrived,..."Well,... you know," was his final reply.
"Not at all. Can you explain it to me?" I was just curious if he truly felt comfortable wearing a shirt that had a saying on it, that of course, everyone knows what it's referring to, but for a 5th grader,... didn't really care to say. Kind of like watching a scary movie with friends and not really wanting to admit that you're not sleeping for the next 12 months,.. or until they stop the production of chain saws that chop people up.
Admittedly, I've gone off track a bit here. The quote came to mind as I spent the day in the Hot Michigan Sun (I can capitalize here because it's a title I've now deemed worthy for the hot day I just spent in the sun - so all of those English teachers out there,...... well, you can just talk to Shanna, my attorney of language restatement).
The beginning to the quote 'We Bust Ours' is one that most parents who have major celebrations coming up (graduation season upon us) can relate to. Only the quote on the back of their shirt would say, "We Bust Ours, So Our House Looks Presentable to Everyone Who Comes Over - and NEVER Says Anything Remotely Related To The New Landscaping, Decoration, Outdoor Patio, Clean Garage, New Furniture, and Immaculate House!"
Now that would be a shirt!
Well, I don't have a tremendous celebration as such, but we do have visitors right now planning a trip to beautiful St. Joe this summer,... and by golly, I hope to have my t-shirt not only done, but the credit card payment for it complete as well.
In the meantime, you can find me standing in the Hot Michigan Sun, like a poached egg about to go scrambled, working on those house projects that I missed last summer,.... and I will have smile on my face, because we are cancer survivors.
Peace and Prayers
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Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Biking to DC
Day 374:
Ride to the Wall. At first the kids thought I was talking about the Wall at Wings ETC., where if you dare scarf down 16 of the hottest wings on the planet without so much as a dribble from the water glass, you get a snapshot of the 'before the wings reach your lower intestinal tract' picture to be forever immortalized on the wall of Wings ETC.; oh yeah,.. plus you get to scribble out a cool quote on the bottom of the Polaroid,.. something like: Like Living on the Sun.
Anyway, once I got the kids straightened around between hot wings and a motorcycle ride that concludes in Washington DC at the Veterans Memorials, we were good to go. The ride was an incredible experience that I wouldn't have missed for anything.
The memorials that we got to see made the thousand of miles all worth the time in the seat. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Arlington Cemetery, it was one couple that we met while catching a bite to eat at lunch that will more than likely stick in my mind.
"Are you a veteran?" she asked with a gentle smile on her face.
"Yes I am," I was wearing my Air Force shirt, just in case the next question was 'What branch of service were you in'.
"Well, I want to thank you and give you a token of our appreciation," as her husband stood in the background, she reached out to shake my hand and handed me a little box.
Inside was a small ornament of a red, white, and blue star and a letter which expressed further her and her husbands appreciation for veterans. The thanks was enough, but the letter also went on to say that it was their mission to shake hands and personally thank as many veterans as they could. All I can say is "Wow! That's a terrific and heartfelt mission."
Of course, in the middle of the patriotic atmosphere, you did have bikers. And with that,... I have to conclude with a picture to capture it all. A biker and his best friend.
Ride to the Wall. At first the kids thought I was talking about the Wall at Wings ETC., where if you dare scarf down 16 of the hottest wings on the planet without so much as a dribble from the water glass, you get a snapshot of the 'before the wings reach your lower intestinal tract' picture to be forever immortalized on the wall of Wings ETC.; oh yeah,.. plus you get to scribble out a cool quote on the bottom of the Polaroid,.. something like: Like Living on the Sun.
Anyway, once I got the kids straightened around between hot wings and a motorcycle ride that concludes in Washington DC at the Veterans Memorials, we were good to go. The ride was an incredible experience that I wouldn't have missed for anything.
The memorials that we got to see made the thousand of miles all worth the time in the seat. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Arlington Cemetery, it was one couple that we met while catching a bite to eat at lunch that will more than likely stick in my mind."Are you a veteran?" she asked with a gentle smile on her face.
"Yes I am," I was wearing my Air Force shirt, just in case the next question was 'What branch of service were you in'.
"Well, I want to thank you and give you a token of our appreciation," as her husband stood in the background, she reached out to shake my hand and handed me a little box.
Inside was a small ornament of a red, white, and blue star and a letter which expressed further her and her husbands appreciation for veterans. The thanks was enough, but the letter also went on to say that it was their mission to shake hands and personally thank as many veterans as they could. All I can say is "Wow! That's a terrific and heartfelt mission."
Of course, in the middle of the patriotic atmosphere, you did have bikers. And with that,... I have to conclude with a picture to capture it all. A biker and his best friend.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Not Alone
Day 367:
He was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma of his right forearm in November of 1996. We have met a lot of children since that time and have never heard of another child who had the same kind of cancer that he did.
Words written in an email to the Ronald McDonald House regarding their son (who also had a fibrosarcoma tumor in his right forearm). It seems that the newsletter has reached all the way back to this family,... in Michigan.
On this last trip to Mayo I had asked Dr. Laack if she had heard of any other child who had the same type of tumor as Hannah, to which her response was, "No, I haven't." I've even spent time diligently searching the Carepages for other children with the same kind. Nothing.
You hate to think that you're happy that there's another person out there with fibrosarcoma, but it's a different kind of happy. It's a connection happiness.
Peace and Prayers
He was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma of his right forearm in November of 1996. We have met a lot of children since that time and have never heard of another child who had the same kind of cancer that he did.
Words written in an email to the Ronald McDonald House regarding their son (who also had a fibrosarcoma tumor in his right forearm). It seems that the newsletter has reached all the way back to this family,... in Michigan.
On this last trip to Mayo I had asked Dr. Laack if she had heard of any other child who had the same type of tumor as Hannah, to which her response was, "No, I haven't." I've even spent time diligently searching the Carepages for other children with the same kind. Nothing.
You hate to think that you're happy that there's another person out there with fibrosarcoma, but it's a different kind of happy. It's a connection happiness.
Peace and Prayers
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Call It Home
Day 366:
"4,..... 5,..... 6,.....," most people on a long drive count mile markers. We were in Wisconsin. We were counting deer. Not the upright ones either.
Made it back home safe, sound, tired,.... really tired. Our mantra for tonight seems to be 'Early to Bed, and we'll still never catch up on all the sleep we lost.' For some reason (Decker and Hucke related I'm sure), our trips to Mayo produce lack of sleep. Oh sure, a large part of it's the anxiety, but then there's the high you get when you're told everything looks great. You can't fight it, so you might as well accept it.
It's strange in a way to think about scans from an anxiety point of view. After all, we trust that God has plans for Hannah. If this is true, then why should we and do we let our human nature take over and get the best of us? I suppose without sounding overly philosophical (because, if it must be known - I attended a philosophy class once in collage. It took me about 15 minutes to realize that I was in the wrong room, but those minutes were very deep.),..anyway, back to my point,...it does make you wonder why we don't apply this to our everyday life more often. It would probably produce the most laid back environment you've ever witnessed.
Thanks again for the prayers. If you have a few more in you, send some towards the kids of the Ronald McDonald Houses. We met some incredible kids going through some extraordinary circumstances.
Peace and Prayers
PS: I know,... the photos! Be patient. I'm diligently working on them.
"4,..... 5,..... 6,.....," most people on a long drive count mile markers. We were in Wisconsin. We were counting deer. Not the upright ones either.
Made it back home safe, sound, tired,.... really tired. Our mantra for tonight seems to be 'Early to Bed, and we'll still never catch up on all the sleep we lost.' For some reason (Decker and Hucke related I'm sure), our trips to Mayo produce lack of sleep. Oh sure, a large part of it's the anxiety, but then there's the high you get when you're told everything looks great. You can't fight it, so you might as well accept it.
It's strange in a way to think about scans from an anxiety point of view. After all, we trust that God has plans for Hannah. If this is true, then why should we and do we let our human nature take over and get the best of us? I suppose without sounding overly philosophical (because, if it must be known - I attended a philosophy class once in collage. It took me about 15 minutes to realize that I was in the wrong room, but those minutes were very deep.),..anyway, back to my point,...it does make you wonder why we don't apply this to our everyday life more often. It would probably produce the most laid back environment you've ever witnessed.
Thanks again for the prayers. If you have a few more in you, send some towards the kids of the Ronald McDonald Houses. We met some incredible kids going through some extraordinary circumstances.
Peace and Prayers
PS: I know,... the photos! Be patient. I'm diligently working on them.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Looking Great
Day 365:
It's been one f u l l day that isn't done with yet; however, we received the ALL CLEAR report, so the rest of the day will be a great deal more tolerable.
The doctors report on the arm and hand progress is still unclear - they are happy with some things and not so happy with others. I believe the phrase they used was: We need to think about where we go from here.
Meanwhile, on the oncology side, we were given the news that Hannah will not require scans until November. This left Kim and I a bit speechless. The first thought is,... alright, scans are being moved out to every 6 months. Then the second thought hits you,... scans are being moved out to every 6 months. What will that do us? It's like yanking the safety net.
While going through scans every 3 months can be cause for high anxiety, it's good to know that in three months Hannah would be checked again and if anything popped up, it would be immediately taken care of. This brings us to a different spot on the cancer journey - moving away from the medical care blanket.
Dr. Kahn did say that she needed to confirm with a few more doctors to verify the timing of scans, but based on our protocol,... November is on the agenda next.
Thanks for your prayers. We really appreciate your support.
It's been one f u l l day that isn't done with yet; however, we received the ALL CLEAR report, so the rest of the day will be a great deal more tolerable.
The doctors report on the arm and hand progress is still unclear - they are happy with some things and not so happy with others. I believe the phrase they used was: We need to think about where we go from here.
Meanwhile, on the oncology side, we were given the news that Hannah will not require scans until November. This left Kim and I a bit speechless. The first thought is,... alright, scans are being moved out to every 6 months. Then the second thought hits you,... scans are being moved out to every 6 months. What will that do us? It's like yanking the safety net.
While going through scans every 3 months can be cause for high anxiety, it's good to know that in three months Hannah would be checked again and if anything popped up, it would be immediately taken care of. This brings us to a different spot on the cancer journey - moving away from the medical care blanket.
Dr. Kahn did say that she needed to confirm with a few more doctors to verify the timing of scans, but based on our protocol,... November is on the agenda next.
Thanks for your prayers. We really appreciate your support.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
May Mayo
Day 364:
Thanks to Chris Tyler and the guys at Lake Michigan Honda, we had smooth travels for our return to Mayo. I had called Chris back in November of '07 to talk basketball, but we ended up discussing a better van for our rides (to Rochester) for the years to come. It took a matter of days and we found ourselves blessed to say, "What's XM anyway?"
I'm not fond of Mayo in May. Nope. Not at all. It's like having a bad meal. You just don't forget that easily. As I packed for the trip I couldn't help but think about the trip last year where I packed for three days, and ended up staying for two weeks. Then a summer.
How do you know when you've been somewhere a lot? Easy. Your conversation on the ride to your destination would sound something like this: "We have 4 days in Rochester. What are some of your favorite places to eat at?" I'm guessing if you can name favorite places to eat around town, you have a second home.
We spent the best part of yesterday with the Deckers, and kids from Stewartville enjoying a prom dinner. It was as if Hannah couldn't get enough of the beautiful and unusual dresses. Oh yeah, and Shanna had on some smashing golf shorts (although we never spoke about her golfing status).
Following dinner we traveled to an undisclosed location (to be disclosed at a later time) where we just enjoyed the evening of friends and stories,.... and photo ops. Again, that will have to be for later as well (I seem to have forgot to pack all my necessary cords for downloads).
Hannah has an early start tomorrow. As for our schedule,... we're not exactly sure, but we'll find out once we get started with the blood tests. We've been through this process so many times that I can almost visualize each and every waiting room (and which ones require self- entertainment).
Prayers Needed: for clear scans!
Thanks to Chris Tyler and the guys at Lake Michigan Honda, we had smooth travels for our return to Mayo. I had called Chris back in November of '07 to talk basketball, but we ended up discussing a better van for our rides (to Rochester) for the years to come. It took a matter of days and we found ourselves blessed to say, "What's XM anyway?"
I'm not fond of Mayo in May. Nope. Not at all. It's like having a bad meal. You just don't forget that easily. As I packed for the trip I couldn't help but think about the trip last year where I packed for three days, and ended up staying for two weeks. Then a summer.
How do you know when you've been somewhere a lot? Easy. Your conversation on the ride to your destination would sound something like this: "We have 4 days in Rochester. What are some of your favorite places to eat at?" I'm guessing if you can name favorite places to eat around town, you have a second home.
We spent the best part of yesterday with the Deckers, and kids from Stewartville enjoying a prom dinner. It was as if Hannah couldn't get enough of the beautiful and unusual dresses. Oh yeah, and Shanna had on some smashing golf shorts (although we never spoke about her golfing status).
Following dinner we traveled to an undisclosed location (to be disclosed at a later time) where we just enjoyed the evening of friends and stories,.... and photo ops. Again, that will have to be for later as well (I seem to have forgot to pack all my necessary cords for downloads).
Hannah has an early start tomorrow. As for our schedule,... we're not exactly sure, but we'll find out once we get started with the blood tests. We've been through this process so many times that I can almost visualize each and every waiting room (and which ones require self- entertainment).
Prayers Needed: for clear scans!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Darned Education
"But I can't go to summer school," quipped one student first thing this morning.
I didn't even know that 'Summer School' papers had been sent out yet, but I was willing to play along.
"Well,... why not?" I asked, in anticipation of a story to follow.
Aside from the various reasons for missing homework - to which I think a book has been written "101 Reasons I LOST My Homework". There must be a sequel,... "Reasons I Can't Attend Summer School."
It was explained to me, in great detail, the reasons for not attending Summer School, with the lead argument being 'It's summer time.' How do you argue with that!? After all, we were kids once too. We understand the need to live free and ride hard! No wait, that's the motto for Harley riders.
After listening intently it was hammer time - not for me, but my student. I explained the reason for further practice and development of certain skills. I even went so far as to empathize in a positive manner by throwing out the fact that it's not putting in a full day at school (just a few hours). It was at this point that he decided he had enough of my explanation, "My mom said I don't have to listen to you or go to summer school," and with that he turned and began to walk away.
All I can say to this is,... where's the paddle when you need it? Unfortunately, the student is correct - his mom more than likely did say that. As for the rest of it,...he couldn't have been wronger (to use a Shanna term).
Hannah: We leave for Mayo this weekend for another round of scans. We'll keep you up to date as we draw closer to news.
I didn't even know that 'Summer School' papers had been sent out yet, but I was willing to play along.
"Well,... why not?" I asked, in anticipation of a story to follow.
Aside from the various reasons for missing homework - to which I think a book has been written "101 Reasons I LOST My Homework". There must be a sequel,... "Reasons I Can't Attend Summer School."
It was explained to me, in great detail, the reasons for not attending Summer School, with the lead argument being 'It's summer time.' How do you argue with that!? After all, we were kids once too. We understand the need to live free and ride hard! No wait, that's the motto for Harley riders.
After listening intently it was hammer time - not for me, but my student. I explained the reason for further practice and development of certain skills. I even went so far as to empathize in a positive manner by throwing out the fact that it's not putting in a full day at school (just a few hours). It was at this point that he decided he had enough of my explanation, "My mom said I don't have to listen to you or go to summer school," and with that he turned and began to walk away.
All I can say to this is,... where's the paddle when you need it? Unfortunately, the student is correct - his mom more than likely did say that. As for the rest of it,...he couldn't have been wronger (to use a Shanna term).
Hannah: We leave for Mayo this weekend for another round of scans. We'll keep you up to date as we draw closer to news.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Not Just Another Day
Day 340:
As I hold Buddy, late night after a day of celebration for Sam's conformation, I'm walking the house shutting the windows. The day has been a relaxing day of friends and family,.. sitting around the fire pit on a warm, sunny day that produce a calm, evening of relaxation.
As I scooped up Buddy for the walk, I'm struck with awesomeness of the day. This was a good day. A day spent in fellowship with friends. It was one of those days that you knew had to come to a close but you wished it could just continue for a moment longer. Buddy shouldn't have been alive for a day like today. The odds had him not making it,.... after all, his other siblings have passed. Yet, this is a day that we all enjoyed. I hope everyone has a day such as this, one you cherish and realize that this is special. A day that was realized as a day a that the Lord has made for you. We had such a day as today,..and we truly enjoyed it.
As I hold Buddy, late night after a day of celebration for Sam's conformation, I'm walking the house shutting the windows. The day has been a relaxing day of friends and family,.. sitting around the fire pit on a warm, sunny day that produce a calm, evening of relaxation.
As I scooped up Buddy for the walk, I'm struck with awesomeness of the day. This was a good day. A day spent in fellowship with friends. It was one of those days that you knew had to come to a close but you wished it could just continue for a moment longer. Buddy shouldn't have been alive for a day like today. The odds had him not making it,.... after all, his other siblings have passed. Yet, this is a day that we all enjoyed. I hope everyone has a day such as this, one you cherish and realize that this is special. A day that was realized as a day a that the Lord has made for you. We had such a day as today,..and we truly enjoyed it.
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